New Delhi, Dec 26: “You are destined to be the architects of 2047. This is one of the best times happening for India and also a new beginning for Jammu & Kashmir,” Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh told a delegation of young Kashmiri students on Tuesday.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space met a delegation of approximately 250 school children from various districts of Jammu & Kashmir currently visiting Jaipur, Ajmer, and New Delhi under the ‘Watan Ko Jano – Youth Exchange Programme 2023’ of the Government of India.
Dr Jitendra Singh, in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, said the visit aims to showcase the cultural and social diversity of the country to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to become architects of 2047 and expressed that it is one of the best times for India and a new beginning for Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned the shift from stone-pelting incidents to positive stories of sporting achievements. He cited examples of cricketers, wushu players, and a young female archer from Kashmir making notable contributions nationally and internationally.
The union minister attributed this positive shift to increased administrative support, improved infrastructure, and a growing focus on youth. He encouraged students to explore opportunities beyond government jobs and cited the success of the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution in J&K. Lavender cultivation, part of Agri StartUps, has seen significant success, with Bhaderwah emerging as the Lavender capital of India.
He recalled PM Modi’s appreciation for the Aroma Mission in supporting Lavender cultivation. He emphasized the economic benefits, increased income for farmers, and the success of Lavender cultivation in various districts.
Dr Singh also spoke about the discovery of Lithium in Reasi district, which he believes could be “India’s next big story,” given the increasing demand for Lithium in rechargeable batteries for renewable energy. He highlighted the geo-tagging of items from J&K, promoting the sales of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products to boost the local economy.
The minister informed students about various infrastructure projects transforming J&K and urged them to be catalysts of PM Modi’s reforms. He emphasized the natural resources in J&K and the North-Eastern Region as drivers of India’s future growth towards achieving a developed India by 2047.
During the interaction, students shared instances of positive changes and development in their regions, expressing gratitude for the government’s support through schemes like the PM Special Scholarship Scheme.
